Reykjavik Cathedral
A charming neoclassical cathedral with a vibrant red roof, offering serene interiors and panoramic city views from its tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
English services available
Reykjavik Cathedral
Best Time
English services available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming neoclassical cathedral with a vibrant red roof, offering serene interiors and panoramic city views from its tower.
"Elegant simplicity and a peaceful interior make this a serene retreat in the heart of the city."
🎯 Attend an English Service
Visitors are welcome at the Sunday 2 PM English service. Just walk in and sit anywhere!
⬆️ Tower Elevator Access
Pay to take the elevator up the tower for amazing city views. Be ready for loud bell chimes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Neoclassical Architecture
Admire the elegant simplicity and vibrant red roof of this charming, historic church in the heart of the city.
Tower City Views
Bell Tower
Ascend for breathtaking panoramic views of Reykjavik's colorful cityscape. Don't miss the surprisingly loud bell chimes!
Summer Concerts
Main Sanctuary
Experience the grandeur of the huge pipe organ during summer concerts. A treat for music lovers!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Tower Views & Bell Chimes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Attending Hallgrímskirkja Service
🎯 Attend an English Service
Visitors are welcome at the Sunday 2 PM English service. Just walk in and sit anywhere!
⬆️ Tower Elevator Access
Pay to take the elevator up the tower for amazing city views. Be ready for loud bell chimes!
Make sure to go to the top of Hallgrímskirkja for a spectacular view! Jan 2023
Hallgrímskirkja Church
🎶 Check Concert Schedules
During summer, concerts may require tickets for entry. Plan accordingly if you want to attend.
🎁 Visit the Gift Shop
Find unique stamps with Icelandic characteristics and other souvenirs.
Hallgrimskirkja church, Reykjavik, Iceland
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Attend an English Service
Visitors are welcome at the Sunday 2 PM English service. Just walk in and sit anywhere!
⬆️ Tower Elevator Access
Pay to take the elevator up the tower for amazing city views. Be ready for loud bell chimes!
🎶 Check Concert Schedules
During summer, concerts may require tickets for entry. Plan accordingly if you want to attend.
🎁 Visit the Gift Shop
Find unique stamps with Icelandic characteristics and other souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Reykjavik Cathedral for its serene atmosphere, elegant neoclassical design, and vibrant red roof. The tower offers impressive city views, though the loud bell chimes are a notable surprise. While some find the interior basic, others appreciate its modernist simplicity and the opportunity to attend services or enjoy summer concerts.
"The Reykjavík Cathedral, also known as Dómkirkjan, is a historic landmark in Iceland that dates back to 1847, showcasing the city's rich architectural and cultural heritage."
Playmo Billy
"Attended a fine J.S. Bach concert there 21 May 2024."
John Quist
"Pretty church with huge pipe organ that does summer concerts so during the concert you can't go into the church unless you pay for the concert. Very basic inside. Can pay to take the elevator up to the tower for city views. Be aware the bell chimes are really loud & startling up there if you're not expecting it!"
lisa m
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reykjavik Cathedral, also known as Dómkirkjan, is centrally located in the heart of Reykjavik, making it easily accessible on foot from most downtown hotels. If you're arriving by bus, it's a short walk from the main bus terminals. Taxis are also readily available.
Yes, the cathedral is situated in a prime location, close to Parliament House (Alþingishúsið) and the National Museum of Iceland. It's a great starting point for exploring the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main sanctuary of Reykjavik Cathedral is generally free. However, there is a fee to ascend the tower for city views and during specific times like summer concerts, access might be ticketed.
Opening hours can vary, especially outside of peak tourist season and due to services or events. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information.
Absolutely! Visitors are welcome to attend services. There's an English-language service on Sundays at 2 PM, which is a great way to experience the cathedral's spiritual side.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a serene and modernist design with a beautiful altar and a huge pipe organ. The atmosphere is peaceful and offers a quiet retreat from the city bustle.
Many visitors find the tower climb rewarding for its panoramic city views. Just be prepared for the surprisingly loud bell chimes when you're up there!
As a place of worship, visitors are expected to be respectful. During services, keep noise to a minimum. Photography might be restricted during services or concerts.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed inside the cathedral, but it's always best to be discreet and respectful, especially during services or events. Avoid flash photography.
The exterior, with its distinctive red roof, is very photogenic. The view from the tower offers a unique perspective of Reykjavik. The surrounding square also provides good vantage points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History and Architecture
The interior is noted for its modernist design and a sense of tranquility, making it a peaceful sanctuary for visitors. It houses a beautiful altar and a huge pipe organ, which is a focal point, especially during the summer concert series. The cathedral's historical and cultural significance is palpable, offering a quiet retreat and a connection to Iceland's past.
For those interested in a deeper understanding, attending an English-language service on Sundays provides a unique cultural immersion. The cathedral also features a gift shop where visitors can find unique Icelandic-themed souvenirs, such as stamps, adding another layer to the visitor experience.
Experiencing the Tower Views
However, be prepared for a sensory surprise! The bell chimes from the tower are known to be quite loud and startling if you're not expecting them. This unexpected auditory experience is often mentioned by visitors and adds a memorable, albeit sometimes jarring, element to the view. It’s a small price to pay for such a commanding outlook over the capital.
When planning your tower visit, consider the time of day for the best light for photography. While the views are impressive at any time, late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour lighting. Remember to check the tower's operating hours, as they can be seasonal and may close during services or inclement weather.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit